Drumeo Gab Podcast

Latest Episodes:

Jack Thomas - Inspiring Us Through Example Nov 15, 2020

Show notes

"Allow yourself to understand that your emotions are completely valid and sometimes you do need help for understanding and adapting to these emotions."

Jack Thomas is a survivor. Quite literally. About five years ago, when Jack was seventeen years old, he was involved in a serious workplace accident that nearly cost him his life and in the end, it did cost him an arm. As a result, Jack thought for a moment that he would never play drums, bass, or guitar again.

It has not been an easy transition as you can imagine. Re-learning how to play instruments with the use of only one arm has been both rewarding but also frustrating too for Jack. But with mental strength and support from his friends and family Jack has managed to achieve something most people would consider an impossibility. Jack's story is remarkable, tragic, and not one without a struggle.

He had recently been featured on Drumeo and amongst other content, Jack performed "Duality" by Slipknot. The video has surpassed 1,000,000 views with an incredible degree of positive feedback. It has resulted in capturing the interest of several media outlets and exposure to a large audience. He has also earned a position at Drumeo, which he had started about a month ago (at the time of the interview). Overall, Jack has worked hard to get to where he is today and did so under very difficult circumstances. We can all learn something from Jack.

You Will Hear About….

What happened after Drumeo released Jack's drum cover of Duality by Slipknot.
The process of learning how to play drums, bass, and guitar with one hand.
How the accident happened.
The aftermath.
Some of Jack's fears.
How Jack overcomes the obstacles in his life.
An encouraging word for listeners.

Why Should You Listen?

This episode is heavy and will make you feel a lot of different things. His story is one that we can all learn from and it puts things into perspective. If Jack can do what he does, what is our excuse? I cannot begin to imagine what life must be like for an amputee and to watch his drumming is so inspiring. This is a good one.

Duality by Slipknot - Drum Cover by Jack Thomas

Jack's Socials

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VIP - 11/11/20 - Now Execute! Nov 11, 2020

Show notes

Today's VIP is all about execution. You've prepared. You've mustered up the courage and taken the risk. Now it is time to complete the task at hand. In my experience hosting numerous in-person and virtual interviews, I have felt and experienced what it is like to be in these situations that are scary. In this episode, I talk about some tips that helped me get through those experiences.

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Stanton Moore (Galactic, Stanton Moore Trio) - Up 'N' Down Claiborne Avenue Nov 08, 2020

Show notes

"It was a religious experience seeing Russell (Batiste) for the first time."

Stanton Moore is proudly carrying the flag of New Orleans tradition in the world of music and drumming so it can be passed down to the next generation. The founding member of Galactic and his Stanton Moore Trio, Stanton brings that New Orleans sauce into full force oozing with panache and funky attitude behind the kit. He is an absolute treasure to music. Besides his own projects, Stanton's list of appearances as a sideman is too long to list. Just look it up though and be astounded by it.

Besides his love for performance and music, he is also an enthusiastic teacher. He has recently launched his brand new Stanton Moore Drum Academy and has been using his studio to stream masterclasses and film lessons/courses to educate his students, with an emphasis on groove. He is also highly involved with famed nightclub Tipitina's which has a very special place in Stanton's heart. Overall, Stanton is bringing the New Orleans sound to the next generation and I think it is important that we understand a bit more about where he comes from and his expression within music.

You Will Hear About….

Playing examples and explanations of his new Zildjian cymbals, including his new signature cymbal "Lunar Crash".
Stanton walks us through his Zildjian Live experience.
Stanton's early years with music in New Orleans.
Russell Batiste and the huge impact he left on Stanton.
Whether there is an adequate substitution for live music.
A little tribute to Johnny V.
Would Stanton enjoy how he evolved as a musician if he was born in a later generation?
A lesson on phrasing.

Why Should You Listen?

This episode is something you want to hear. The way New Orleans is described during Stanton's early years as a musician and the religious experience he had hearing Russell Batiste and what it all means to him is heartwarming and awesome listening. The playing examples throughout are a massive treat and educational. The advice from Stanton to help us become groovier drummers is amazing. This episode just rocks!

Stanton's Socials

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VIP - 11/04/20 - Are You Ready? Nov 04, 2020

Show notes

Today's episode piggybacks onto the "Always Prepare" episode.

Taking risks, building confidence, and challenging yourself is an interesting venture. Will I fail or will I succeed? In this episode, I share my personal experiences with this stuff in hopes that you will reflect on your own choices and whether you ever felt ready to take risks. I have had many scary moments concerning this topic but I have always seen growth from it.

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Domino Santantonio - The Happiest Drummer On TikTok Nov 01, 2020

Show notes

"I decided just to be myself."

Domino Santantonio has been playing drums for quite a while and doing so professionally touring for Roxane Bruneau and being called for studio sessions. She recently, however, became noticed by millions of people due to TikTok. One day she made a 15-second drum cover of Shakira's "Hips Don't Lie" and in a few hours, it received millions of views.

It was Roxane who recommended to her that she become involved with TikTok but Domino felt that it would just be another platform to browse through cat and dog videos, which we laughed about. But then the pandemic happened and she realized that it might be a good time to start making some videos and I suppose she was right! Opportunities are opening up for her due to her massive and rather immediate exposure.

You Will Hear About….

The day her TikTok account blew up.
Her newfound popularity online and the impact it's had on her social media use.
Why she no longer compares herself to others online anymore.
A bit about her background with music and drumming.
Her audience and what she believes her appeal is online.
Our thoughts about female drummers being objectified.

Why Should You Listen?

So, the first half-hour is mostly to do with social media boundaries and addiction, her TikTok account growing at a rapid pace, and her background with music. The second half of this interview is where things get really interesting. I wanted to get some information about her demographic and that led to some thoughts we have about female drummers being objectified.

For Domino, this was a big concern at one point. She considered how much make-up to wear, what clothing to wear in her videos, and whether or not people would listen to her drumming more than simply watching her. Like many women playing drums, she takes it very seriously and loves it so much. So, she works hard at it, and as a result, she is an incredibly solid player. However, we did talk about something that is definitely true and does not help female drummers. Women who use their sexuality to gain views online. It is not talked about much but it definitely led to a very interesting and transparent conversation.

Domino's Socials

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VIP - 10/28/20 - Always Prepare Oct 28, 2020

Show notes

Today's episode is regarding preparation. I go over a handful of points as to why preparation is important. This episode was inspired by an email sent to me from Benny Greb regarding his new book. Click this link to learn more about his book.

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Matt Bover - The Drummer Berklee Paid To Be There Oct 25, 2020

Show notes

"I practiced every single minute I could! No question."

Matt Bover is originally from the Woodstock, NY area where he would find his love for drums but it didn't stop there. After a failed audition for Berklee College of Music, he decided to head to Barcelona, Spain at a music conservatory called "Barcelona's Conservatori del Liceu". He managed straight A's while practicing drums for roughly fifteen hours per day while he studied there.

From Barcelona, he re-auditioned for Berklee and was accepted. Not only was he accepted into the school but he managed a full performance scholarship and later Berklee would pay Matt to attend their school! During his time at Berklee, he would maintain an unbelievable practice routine, and commonly he would practice for seventeen hours per day. He also wrote a book called Chops For The Modern Drummer which would later be distributed by Hudson Music.

Matt's story is one that is bittersweet. It's balanced between failure and success and while it is incredibly inspiring, it is also a bit heart wrenching. For example, his cymbals were stolen right from the school never to be recovered due to a faulty security camera. Also, Covid has prevented him from starting a really great teaching position in a school. The time away from music hasn't been easy either. But Matt has persevered before and I know he can again.

You Will Hear About….

Growing up in Woodstock, NY.
The trip to study in Barcelona and some key learning experiences there.
How by having the ability to choose what to learn produces a better experience.
The second audition at Berklee and studying there.
When his cymbals were stolen.
What his hopes are for the future.

Why Should You Listen?

Matt is a key example of why I choose to interview up and coming drummers. A lot of us can really connect with drummers who are working hard towards their goals. The successes and failures that we all experience at some point in our lives is also a realistic reminder of what we can expect when carving out our own paths.

So, while it is fantastic to hear from artists who have created a legacy already, it is also nice to hear from those who are trying to do that currently and still have mileage left to get there. Also, for some reason, my heart really goes out to Matt. I don't know exactly why but you may feel it too when you hear this one. He is a humble and hard-working dude that just loves drumming and teaching. He has had some upsets in his journey but he keeps on going and I really feel him with that. I have nothing but love for this guy.

Matt's Socials

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VIP - 10/21/20 - 5 Tips For Healthier Social Media Use Oct 21, 2020

Show notes

Drop a line to Amanda

I feel that these five tips for social media make for an experience that is more enjoyable long-term and better for my mental health.

1. When someone follows you, check out their profile. If it looks interesting, look a little deeper. If you really like what they are putting out there, give them a follow and make a comment. Connect with new people.

2. Don't fuss over numbers. Make good stuff that you like to make and present it. Hopefully it gets some attention and you did it your way. Just don't let the numbers dictate whether or not you want to do it or be validated by the numbers. Pay attention to how you can connect with people through the content.

3. When you have the opportunity, send voice dm's to your friends and audience online. Especially if they love what you do, make it more personable by sending them your voice. I have done this for a long time with DrumeoGab and I think it is a nice way to connect. Recommend.

4. Police your page. Show respect to your followers and friends by keeping your page a respectful and open environment. Hopefully, it is fun and enjoyable too. I immediately block and delete any comments that are insulting and intended to harm someone. That doesn't fly here and it shouldn't on your page either.

5. Just be yourself. Work hard and do your best. Present the things you are excited about and love. Don't worry about appealing to everyone and/or feeling overly vulnerable by putting yourself out there. You'll become comfortable eventually and you will thank yourself for that. So, if it is all coming from you, it can have more power and appeal. Almost every great thing that you really enjoy was made by people who just wanted to make something and they were good at it.

Greg Hersey - Adapting To Change Oct 18, 2020

Show notes

"It's endless of how many different opportunities we can provide and create for ourselves."

Greg Hersey is the Director of Instrumental Music at Episcopal School of Jacksonville and received his masters degree at University North Florida. He is a very well studied musician and has a passion for education as he is currently in his fourth year as band director.

He uses Instagram to showcase his talents and creativity with many of his videos reaching well into five-figure for the number of views. In particular, his trap set videos indicate his high level of musical knowledge and creative rhythmic applications.

I wanted Greg on the show because he works in the school system and with all of the changes that teachers face, I thought it would be very interesting to hear his perspective on how he and his colleagues have adapted to this new way of doing things. We also get an in-depth look as to how his love for drumming took shape and a few people in his life that pushed him to become who he is today.

You Will Hear About….

What it is like teaching in the school system today.
His first real drum lesson with Benjamin Wiseman and the impact that had.
Greg's observations on support from home regarding music.
Intrinsic values vs extrinsic values.
Charlotte Mavery and the positive influence she had on Greg.

Why Should You Listen?

It is really interesting to hear about how within the education system things have changed and what faculty have to do now in order to satisfy the current situation we are in. Also, for people who may feel like they have a deep connection with something, it is great to hear a success story that involves a career path that is not always associated with the word "stable". Greg managed to find a career that he strongly connects with and he finds a lot of pleasure in what he does professionally day to day.

Greg's Socials

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VIP - 10/14/20 - Are Drum Shells Just Hype? Oct 14, 2020

Show notes

VIP is created in part by YOU, the audience. Submit your media to Seamus@drumeo.com

The opening clip was from Marcus Gilmore Excerpts of Nube by David Virelles. Performed with Sunhouse Sensory Percussion.

Watch the Video

Today we are discussing the idea of whether the drum heads are mostly responsible for the output of sound from a drum. This idea was inspired by this YouTube video - Watch Video

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